Some investors, concerned about government meddling and profitability at Brazilian oil giant Petrobras, have shifted interest away from the state-run company to startup companies that include OGX Petroleo and HRT Participações, Reuters reported May 25. How significant of a problem is political interference for Petrobras and what effect does it have on profitability? What has been the effect of pre-salt regulations on the country's ability to efficiently develop the fields? Is the outlook for the new crop of oil start-ups as rosy as some investors paint, or over-hyped?